Benzo Addiction Rehab

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, namely Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and Ambien, are highly addictive prescription sedatives/depressants typically prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, and insomnia. Because these drugs are so widely prescribed— in the tens of millions— they are easier to acquire and abuse as compared with certain other drugs.

Benzo abuse may cause amnesia, hostility, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams and slow down the central nervous system (Drug Enforcement Administration). Over 30% of opioid-involved overdoses also involve benzodiazepines, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Combining benzos with other drugs or alcohol is common and what makes them especially dangerous, and chronic misuse can lead to tolerance and dependence.

To overcome benzo addiction, proper treatment is essential. Without the medical supervision and assistance a certified and accredited detox facility provides, serious complications may result from benzo withdrawal. Because We Care, Royal Life Centers is committed to providing the safest, most effective medication-assisted benzo detox, followed by carefully structured, individualized medical regiments, an intensive therapy program, and extensive aftercare options.

Short-term effects of benzo use may include:

Tolerance

Drowsiness

Dizziness

Panic attacks

Impaired coordination and confusion

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Memory and cognitive problems

Mood swings

Long-term effects of benzo use may include:

Depression

Anxiety

Suicidal thoughts

Irritability

Cognitive dysfunction

Should I seek treatment for benzodiazepine addiction?

Signs of a benzo problem may include:

“Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions

Snorting or injecting pills to increase effects

Using benzos in conjunction with other drugs, like opioids

Engaging in other high-risk behaviors

Loss of interest in activities

Continuing to use despite negative effects

Withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or others, you may have a benzo problem and require medical help to safely detox.

Withdrawal from benzos is physically and emotionally taxing, and withdrawal symptoms vary in severity. Typically, a “rebound” stage of anxiety and insomnia will take place 1-4 days following abstinence, with more serious withdrawal symptoms lasting 10-14 days (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Our goal at Royal Life Centers is to make detoxification from benzos as smooth as possible, which is why our guests are monitored through and after detox and our medical staff is on site 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort.

Benzo withdrawal symptoms may include (NCBI):

Sleep disturbance

Irritability

Increased tension and anxiety

Panic attacks

Hand tremors

Difficulty concentrating

Nausea

Headache

Hallucinations

Muscle pain

Cravings

What happens after medical detox?

Following medical detox at Royal Life Centers, guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical and mental wellness and promote a lasting, sober lifestyle. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions and activity, movement, and adventure therapies into one program that treats mind, body, and spirit.

Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our grad housing residences. At Royal Life Centers, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care.

If you or a loved one has a benzo addiction, or any substance use disorder, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Centers admissions staff are available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns Because We Care.